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Synonyms

best man

American  

noun

  1. the chief attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding.


best man British  

noun

  1. the (male) attendant of the bridegroom at a wedding

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of best man

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Mr. Hernández, a “Saturday Night Live” cast member, is particularly shrill as the best man who can’t forgive his pal for getting married.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 24, 2026

Swift's brother Austin Swift served as her man of honour while her new husband's brother, retired American footballer Jason Kelce, was the groom's best man.

From BBC Jul. 4, 2026

The legal feud marks a dramatic falling-out between Anderson and his longtime mentor Burkle, who was the best man at Anderson’s wedding.

From Los Angeles Times Mar. 6, 2026

At age 65, Lou served as the best man at his son’s wedding.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 5, 2026

Yossarian was the best man in the group at evasive action, but had no idea why.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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